Student landlords may face tenancy disruption because many young renters do not understand the new notice rules or how their rights vary between property types. Research from rent guarantor firm Housing Hand says 78% of renters do not know how the Renters' Rights Act affects them, despite its implementation on 1 May.
Among students, only 27% understand that their rights differ according to the accommodation they occupy.
Its research also found 65% had negative feelings about renting, including 24% who felt overwhelmed, 17% uncertain and 14% anxious.
Student rights confusion
Dani Smith, the firm's sales manager, said: "The Renters' Rights Act has fundamentally changed the rental market, meaning student renters now need to understand the different rights that apply to them in relation to different types of properties."
The most common question students are asking is when and how they can give notice to end a tenancy.
Those who signed an agreement before 1 May for accommodation beginning in September also want to know whether they can withdraw before moving in.
Housing Hand says students in private shared houses can generally give two months' written notice, although rent remains payable during that period.
What happens when notice given
Students are also asking what happens to their housemates, as one person serving notice under a joint tenancy can end the agreement for everyone.
Those hoping to remain for another year are asking whether a new agreement can be reached if one housemate decides to leave.
In that situation, the remaining students can negotiate with the landlord, who may choose to offer them a replacement agreement.
Students also want to understand how their rights differ between an HMO and purpose-built student accommodation.
Questions are also being raised about Ground 4A, which student HMO landlords can use to recover possession for the next academic year.
Overseas students face barriers
The Renters' Rights Act impact on overseas students has also led letting platform Goodlord's chief executive William Reeve to speak out.
He told Accommodation for Students: "While the market hasn't yet suffered the dramatic shock some predicted, early indications suggest the RRA is already bringing about the unintended consequences many warned against.
"Anecdotally, the legislation appears to have been particularly damaging for certain sub-sets of tenants, such as international students."
He added: "Historically, landlords have relied on larger up-front rent payments from these tenants to secure their properties and protect against potential fraud.
"With this practice now outlawed, landlords are increasingly reticent to take on the risk of renting to overseas tenants, restricting their ability to access rented housing."
Mr Reeve says his firm is exploring solutions with its new professional guarantor service, but thousands of potential student tenants may have already been turned away because of the rule change.
Student landlord risks
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "Confused students create practical risks for landlords managing notice dates, joint agreements and academic-year changeovers.
"Clear explanations provided early could help prevent disputes, unexpected vacancies or disrupted household arrangements."
He added: "Overseas applicants may need alternative reassurance where advance payments are restricted, making reliable guarantor checks increasingly valuable.
"As always for student landlords, careful records, prompt communication and legally sound processes will therefore protect income while preserving access to suitable homes."
